Road tests
Rookie rapt with Swift ride
![Suzuki Swift](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1376362753/034/9036034.jpg)
AMELIA RITCHIE - © Fairfax NZ News
The new Suzuki Swift Sport has an almost aggressive allure.
An oldie, but a goodie
![Subaru WRX Nemesis](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1375322762/165/8991165.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
Once a road warrior, always a road warrior with the new-look Subaru WRX still an exceptional drive.
Pure pleasure
![Subaru BRZ.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1374627308/437/8958437.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Subaru's BRZ sports car is memorable for its simplicity and the package adds up to something special.
Ignore the XV
![Subaru Forester.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1374204720/570/8940570.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
Subaru's XV is the good-looker in the company's crossover wagons, but the larger Forester offers better value.
Accord's four beats six
![Honda Accord](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1373855061/566/8920566.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It can be had with one of the sweetest and most powerful V6s in the business, but here the Accord with just four cylinders is preferred.
Little wonder
![Skoda Citigo.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1373241572/349/8891349.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Skoda's Citigo gets to NZ later this year, but Dave Moore has already driven it and thinks it's the best small car in the world.
i45 belies 'bland' label
![Hyundai i45.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1372815524/546/8873546.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Hyundai's stylish i45 sedan has been facelifted in an effort to keep it relevant in a pressure-filled market segment.
Sponsored links
Estate of the art
![Hyundai i30 wagon.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1372645308/693/8863693.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It's not quite as pretty as the hatch on which it is based, but the wagon version of the i30 is one of Hyundai's most compelling new cars.
X-factor BMW wagon wows
![tdnbmw strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1371592745/216/8814216.jpg)
Although there is a big move towards SUV-style vehicles, there's still room for a lower-slung all-paw wagon.
Commodore fuel claims optimistic
![Commodore](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1371596055/485/8814485.jpg)
Holden is out to prove that big cars don't necessarily equate to big fuel bills with its latest Commodore.
Perfect timing
![Mazda6.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1371421411/634/8804634.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Apart from a bruised head, Dave Moore found his time with the Mazda6 was a treat.
Posh hatch plan continues
![Mercedes-Benz B200 CGi](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1370817064/951/8776951.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
All the news is about the Benz A-class, but for a bit more, you get a lot more space with the B-class.
Putting the boot in
![Nissan Pulsar Sedan](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1369708355/384/8726384.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Nissan Pulsar is back, and the sedan version puts the boot into the opposition.
Classiest hatch in the game
![Audi A3.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1369355522/426/8713426.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Audi's new A3 is a bit bigger, a lot lighter and feels like it's been to finishing school.
Paceman has space, man
![Mini Paceman](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1369005497/839/8693839.jpg)
It loses nothing in fun and cheek, but this coupe come hatch does a better job of looking after passengers.
Complex but well sorted
![Porsche 918 Spyder.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1368730622/336/8684336.jpg)
Take cover Ferrari and McLaren, the fastest, most powerful Porsche road car ever is a game changer.
Usable day-to-day performance
![Audi SQ5 TDI](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1368389219/838/8664838.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It looks like an SUV but in reality it's one of the world's tallest hot-hatches.
All the right noises
![Aston Martin Rapide S](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1368139914/350/8657350.jpg)
KYLE CASSIDY - © Fairfax NZ News
If ever there was a car worth being cooped up in an aircraft for nearly 60 hours, it is the Aston Martin Rapide S.
Count me in!
![Holden Volt.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1367460467/798/8624798.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Forget about what drives this car. Treat it like any other vehicle and just remember to plug it in every day at home.
Quite the looker
![Holden Cruze CDX Sportswagon](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1367360208/506/8618506.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
While the new Holden Cruze Sportswagon is a spacious good looker, it lacks oomph under the hood.
Stealth wagon
![2014 Audi RS6](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1367183121/401/8608401.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
New Audi wagon fast as a Ferrari and faster than most Porsches.
Porsche leaves love bite
![Porsche Cayman.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1366943178/148/8601148.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
The Porsche Cayman may be too much of a "nice car" for its own good.
A peerless performer
![Toyota Corolla GX.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1366761960/310/8591310.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
In many respects, the GX is the best Toyota Corolla, despite its entry-version status.
What a 'Rock Star'
![Fiat 500 TwinAir 'Rock Star'](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1366576822/223/8580223.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Fiat's little 500 TwinAir "Rock Star" is the most fun for your dollar you can get with four wheels.
Little Suzuki that could...
![Suzuki SX4.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1365636245/698/8537698.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Focus-sized SX4 is not that little and once you see what it can do, you'll wonder, as we do, why there aren't more around.
Fantastic Lexus luxury
![Lexus LS600hL](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1365464605/331/8527331.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
The Lexus LS600hL costs as much as your average provincial city house - but it's fantastic.
A no-nonsense hatch
![2013 Mitsubishi Mirage.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1365462167/148/8527148.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Mitsubishi's new Mirage is a case of getting what you pay for - which is actually quite a lot for the money.
50 but still crazy
![Porsche 911 Carrera 4S](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1365112866/933/8513933.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
The handle and blade have been changed a few times over the years, but essentially Porsche's 911 is the same car it ever was.
A serious performer
![Audi RS4 Avant.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1365017938/522/8507522.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Audi's new RS4 Avant can be scarily fast - when it wants to be. But most of the time, it's a pussycat.
Cheap as French fries
![Peugeot 208.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1363565281/933/8439933.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
There are more expensive Peugeot 208s, but its cheapest version is head and shoulders the best.
And the Oscar goes to ...
![Volkswagen Golf Seven](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1363554041/088/8439088.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Driving the new Golf 7 is like meeting Daniel Day-Lewis or Meryl Streep.
A very safe Mazda
![Mazda6.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1363052836/810/8414810.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
The new Mazda6 is capable of actively looking out for trouble in an electronic effort to keep those aboard safe.
Kia's diesel darling
![Kia Rio LX Diesel ISG.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1363051151/715/8414715.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
This diesel Kia is the best model of the Rio fleet, despite that extra retail price and the unfairness of the RUCs regime.
Base Benz does it well
![Mercedes-Benz A180.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1362958524/428/8409428.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
You can load the new A-class Mercedes-Benz with all manner of goodies, but truth be known, the starter model might just be the best.
Half-hearted flagship
![Citroen DS5.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1362699204/248/8400248.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
We easily accept art for art's sake, but are we ready to accept quirkiness for the sake of it in the Citroën DS5.
A choice wagon
![Toyota Prius V iTech.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1362680049/686/8398686.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Toyota says V stands for versatility with its latest hybrid, the Prius V.
Leading from the rear
![Porsche 911 Carrera C4S](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1361739711/427/8347427.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
Two-thirds of 911 buyers opt for the more-macho rear-drive version of the most recognisable German sportscar. Paul Owen reckons the other third now enjoy the better drive.
A triple treat
![Mitsubihi Mirage.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1361407511/968/8334968.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Thirty-four years on from the original Mirage, Mitsubishi will be hoping some of that car's success will rub off on the new one.
A-class act
![Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1361225575/757/8322757.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Mercedes-Benz's latest A-class models are much-changed from earlier editions.
Phantom of the Road
![Rolls-Royce Phantom](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1361066135/553/8315553.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
We find out what $780,000 can buy in a car without equal - the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II.
Worthy of the name
![Nissan Pulsar.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1360718333/728/8298728.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
We haven't had a Pulsar for nearly seven years and we are glad it's back after the Tiida.
The new Volkswagen Beetle
![beetle](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1360391445/490/8283490.jpg)
When Volkswagen revived the Beetle, the new car found favour mostly with women. The latest version will have more cross-gender appeal.
In the lap of luxury
![Range Rover IV.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1359928809/048/8260048.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It's eye-wateringly expensive but the best luxury off-roader in the world just got even better.
A trickle-down treat
![outland](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1359669946/005/8251005.jpg)
We takes a top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Outlander for a spin, and find equipment you wouldn't normally expect in a family SUV.
Superwagon's return
![audi](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1359067821/042/8223042.jpg)
It might not be faster than a speeding bullet, but the Audi S6 Avant is a superwagon.
Better Beetle
![VW Beetle II.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1359075995/657/8223657.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
New Beetle IIs in NZ won't be cheap, but there's method in Volkswagen's madness.
New Levin looks special
![Toyota Corolla Levin.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1358380486/146/8190146.jpg)
OK, let's get this out of the way first - the new Toyota Corolla Levin is not named after the capital of Horowhenua.
Who's its daddy?
![subarustrap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1358216971/327/8180327.jpg)
Argue all you like, there's no doubt which company puts most DNA into the Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ joint venture.
Volt charges in to the plug in future
![Holden Volt](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1357519680/723/8150723.jpg)
The Holden Volt brings a more attractive sense of style to the hybrid sector, along with the opportunity to run for longer on electric power alone.
Family cars fail overlap crash test
![Honda Accord](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1357518436/692/8150692.jpg)
A tougher frontal offset crash test designed to mimic real crashes has been introduced in the US and has claimed some big-name failures.
Fit for family life
![suzuki splash](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1357272854/303/8144303.jpg)
Suzuki's revamped high-rise Splash is probably better-suited to family life than its Swift sibling, and has enjoyed an important safety upgrade, writes Dave Moore.
Roar power
![Audi RS4.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1356309579/548/8116548.jpg)
PAUL OWEN - © Fairfax NZ News
RS4 is the latest high-revving high-performance star from Audi's Quattro GMBH.
Bentley's bent-eight GTs
![Bentley Continental GTC.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1355696884/591/8089591.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Less is more with Bentley's latest, smaller-engined Continental GT and GTC.
The Korean Korolla
![Hyundai i30 Elite.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1355177546/652/8063652.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
The Hyundai i30 is one of Korea's most important new cars and it has almost everything.
Sportier than a BMW?
![Lexus IS](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1354660373/691/8038691.jpg)
Lexus says its new compact sedan will offer more driving pleasure than the 3-Series.
It's all performance
![Renault Megane RS265.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1354492829/916/8028916.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
This Renault grabs you as much with its performance as its low-slung looks.
Veloster boosted to new level
![Hyundai Veloster turbo](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1354064698/290/8009290.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Hyundai has turbocharged its Veloster coupe, allowing it to make the colourful claim that it has added brawn to beauty.
Much more appealing
![Lexus GS250](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1354062929/173/8009173.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
This very good Lexus GS250 deserves better recognition than before.
Return of a topless wonder
![Golf Cabriolet](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1353887278/843/7998843.jpg)
A four-seat convertible for less than some Japanese hatchbacks is something to celebrate.
Beemer's quickest
![BMW M6.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1353289164/983/7969983.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
In the 1970s, the first 6-series was a one-model affair. Now there are so many it's hard to keep track but they remain BMW's most powerful cars on the road and the track.
A joy to drive
![The new Hyundai i30 is one of the standout vehicles to enter the New Zealand market this year.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1352931555/267/7954267.jpg)
The new Hyundai i30 is one of the standout vehicles to enter the New Zealand market this year.
Corolla smoothie hatched
![2013 Toyota Corolla.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1352798417/414/7945414.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
After treading water for several generations, the Toyota Corolla at last fronts up as the great car it has often promised to be.
Performance Focus
![Ford Focus III ST.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1352063741/497/7907497.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Continuing a tradition of sporting front-drive Fords, the Focus ST uses a Falcon engine to get its thrust.
Fun car of the moment
![Toyota 86.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1351459885/793/7876793.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Ignore the wings and stuff, Toyota's GT86 is no try-hard. It's probably the most entertaining affordable sports car of the moment, and well worth savouring.
Elegant sufficiency
![Audi A6 Allroad.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1350941215/868/7850868.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It's the luxury SUV you get when you wouldn't be seen dead in an SUV.
A true multi-tasker
![Subaru Legacy 3.6X sedan](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1350248308/751/7816751.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Here's a luxurious sedan that Subaru claims is perfect for everyone from cow-cockies to company executives.
Hands-on Honda
![Honda Civic Euro S manual.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1350260373/618/7817618.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
The new manual S version of the Honda Civic Euro hatch is a little honey.
Rethink refreshes Peugeot
![TDN GEOT STRAP](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1349809882/019/7796019.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
There are millions of people throughout the world - New Zealand included - who will be familiar with the lineage of the the Peugeot 208.
Mazda's 6 appeal
![Mazda6 series III.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1349640706/873/7782873.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
The Mazda6 confounds rumours that the days of the conventional family sedan and wagon are numbered.
Facelift refines Hyundai i20
![TDN HY STRAP](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1349206720/964/7761964.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Statistics, huh? Sometimes they're not exactly what they seem.
Impossible to exploit ability
![BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1349035319/646/7751646.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
When is a coupe not a coupe? Who cares, when you're behind the wheel of a brilliant four-door addition to the BMW 6-Series selection.
The Benz Shooting Brake
![Mercedes-Benz](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1348627816/450/7732450.jpg)
This Mercedes niche model blends a coupe-like silhouette with a wagon-sized boot.
Volt leads the way
![tdn volt strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1348602865/405/7730405.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
This new-age car is the Holden Volt, which enters the New Zealand new car market in November.
MG's comeback promising
![The new MG6.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1347502822/707/7670707.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
The famous British vehicle MG is coming back - only this time it is owned by the Chinese.
Fast cat a tonic
![Jaguar XFR](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1347323816/951/7652951.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Fifty or so years ago Jaguar effectively invented the high-performance four-door sedan. It has taken a while, but the latest XFR has put the brand back at the top of the tree.
This beast still feels good
![Dodge Charger SRT](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1347094056/312/7640312.jpg)
WARREN BROWN
The Dodge Charger SRT8 almost made Warren Brown think again about Mitt Romney.
Gas-guzzling luxury
![Lexus LX570 SUV.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1346880695/823/7623823.jpg)
© Fairfax NZ News
If you can afford the nearly $200,000 price tag then paying for the fuel in the gas-guzzling Lexus LX570 SUV presumably won't be a problem.
In running for top honours
![BMW 335I](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1346881596/956/7623956.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
One of the big motoring debates of the year is which new BMW 3-Series is best - big or small? We argue in favour of big.
Ferrari's fab fastest
![Ferrari's F12 Berlinetta](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1346401386/128/7591128.jpg)
Meet the supercar money can't buy. It's Ferrari's new hero, the F12 Berlinetta, the fastest and most powerful road car it has ever built.
Fun and affordable
![Toyota 86](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1340592682/839/7166839.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Toyota has introduced a brand-new sports car simply called 86 and it's a little beauty.
A bruising encounter
![Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1346012389/425/7553425.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
It is doubtful that the promised replacement for what is now a 65-year-old design will ever be as good as the compromised but brilliant original Land Rover.
A better Aurion drive
![Toyota's Aurion Touring.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1345595104/572/7526572.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Good as it is, the Toyota Aurion has always been on a hiding to nothing.
When four is better than six
![Ford Falcon EcoBoost](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1345426122/402/7511402.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Ford appears to have solved the economy and emissions conundrum for its familiar staple sedan, but the shame is it is probably too late to save the likeable beast.
Kuga whets appetite
![TDN KUGA STRAP](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1344974871/754/7480754.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
The Ford Kuga is a very good vehicle that has finally - finally - made its way to NZ's new-vehicle market.
Colorado ute looks good
![tdn ute strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1344974498/707/7480707.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Holden's new Colorado is an appealing addition to what is now a stellar lineup of double-cab utes available in New Zealand.
Hybrid boosts Lexus dramatically
![tdn lexus strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1344369465/521/7435521.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
It doesn't come as any great surprise that Lexus New Zealand has dropped the 4.6-litre V8 model from its GS lineup.
A refined drive
![Volkswagen Amarok 8 speed auto ute.](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1344237113/788/7425788.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
VW has taken an eight-speed auto from the Audi A8 luxury sedan and put it into a ute.
It has the fundamentals
![tdn wall strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1343765845/104/7390104.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
Is the Great Wall X-200 like the wannabe golfers you often see out on the golf courses?
A genuine fun car
![Nissan Juke](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1343877617/879/7401879.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
Nissan's wee Juke is living proof that Britain can still design and build interesting cars that are fun to drive.
An appealing honesty
![tdn xtrail strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1343160341/262/7344262.jpg)
ROB MAETZIG - © Fairfax NZ News
It feels as if the Nissan X-Trail has been around for yonks.
Loads of fun
![Ford Focus TDCi station wagon](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1342654138/516/7308516.jpg)
DAVE MOORE - © Fairfax NZ News
The wagon segment has shrunk in recent times, but it wouldn't have if they all drove like Ford's Focus III.
RX350 gets a serious face
![tdn car strap](http://web.archive.org./web/20130817020824im_/http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1342557519/619/7298619.jpg)
The Lexus RX350 luxury crossover SUV has just been given a facelift - the perfect opportunity for Rob Maetzig to be re-united with the vehicle.
New Trax ticks the day-to-day boxes
Fiesta revamp will 'surprise and delight'
Thai village arrests Google driver
BMW i8 packs Gorilla Glass windows
Video gamer turns professional racer
Smart car key to rein in teen drivers
Mercedes-Benz unveils GLA baby SUV
Drink-driver turned up drunk for sentencing
Holden makes Trax with new baby SUV